US submarine accident in the South China Sea

A fleet press release said the Connecticut submarine remained “in a safe and stable condition” after the collision. CNN said the accident occurred in the South China Sea and that several sailors were injured on board.

According to a statement from the Pacific Fleet, the ship’s reactor and hull were not damaged and are still fully operational. The extent of damage to the rest of the submarine is assessed.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News, the information about the incident emerged when tensions arose between Washington and Beijing regarding the Chinese army’s increasing incursions into the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone.

According to the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the US, Japan and other US allies participated in military exercises in waters southwest of Okinawa this weekend. Three US and British aircraft carriers participated, as well as Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers and other ships.